POLICE ISSUE REMINDER IN VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN

9 January 2015

West Yorkshire Police are urging Bradford City fans who drive to home games to continue to help them towards their goal of reducing vehicle crime on match days.

The mid-season reminder comes as figures show that thefts from motor vehicle in the Bradford West area, where the Coral Windows Stadium is situated, are down by almost 200 incidents on the same time last year - dropping from 791 in 2013/14 to 597.

The Bradford West Area Neighbourhood Team, who have teamed up with the club to tackle match day car crime this season, now hope that Bantams supporters will continue to play their part by removing anything from their vehicles that might appeal to a thief, such as gadgets and clothing, and to make sure their vehicle is locked before leaving it unattended.

Local officers have been joined by Special Constables and police volunteers this season in the hours leading up to kick-off, patrolling the area around Valley Parade and handing out leaflets to fans to remind them to secure their vehicles.

City next play at home this Saturday (10 January 2015) when they welcome Rochdale to the Coral Windows Stadium.

Sergeant Tom Casey said:"We are pleased there has been a significant reduction in car crime in the Bradford West area this year, but we want to see that figure drop even more in the coming months.

"No one wants to lose out on match day, and we hope that fans taking cars to the game will continue to spare some extra time to make sure their vehicles are locked and all valuables are removed or hidden from view.

"Leaving your vehicle unlocked or leaving valuables where they can be seen is like giving an opportunist thief an open goal.

"A thief can be in and out of your vehicle in less time than it takes to score a goal. Always check the door handle to make sure your vehicle is locked and that valuables are removed from view."

A spokesperson from the club added: “To coincide with the initiative by West Yorkshire Police, the club have continued to remind supporters of the need to secure their vehicle and their belongings in each pre-match announcement about turnstiles and access arrangements.

"We are delighted that West Yorkshire Police and Bradford City F.C working together has shown such great results.

"But the number of incidents is still too high and we hope that this announcement will remind supporters to remain vigilant and not become a victim of crime in this way.”